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More Cases in Outbreak Tied to Idaho Sprouts

With four new cases confirmed, 25 people have now been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella linked to sprouts grown in Idaho, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.

The CDC said that as of July 5 there were three new cases of Salmonella infection in Montana, for a total of 10 case patients, and one more in Washington state, where there also are 10 confirmed cases, in addition to three illnesses in Idaho and one each in New Jersey and North Dakota.

Of those case patient for whom information is available, their illnesses began between April 12 and June 15. They range in age from 12 to 77 years of age and 76 percent are female. At least three have been hospitalized.

The trace back investigation led to Evergreen Produce of Moyie Springs, Idaho, which recalled its alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts on July 1 after first denying its sprouts could have had anything to do with the outbreak.

In its investigation update, the CDC said the suspect sprouts were distributed in Washington and Idaho by direct delivery to four distributors and three retail stores and could have ended up in restaurants and supermarkets in those areas and neighboring states.

Because contaminated products may still be in grocery stores and in consumers’ homes, the CDC recommends that the suspect sprouts be returned or thrown away in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals from eating them.